Feb 3, 2025
On the timescale of nature, the passing of 100 years seems almost unimportant. But, the formation of the Illinois Department of Conservation, later to become the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, came at a time when coordinated action was needed to restore wildlife populations and manage those resources for the future.
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On a visit to a state park, the author and her companions found a pond that usually held water was dry. Scrambling down the bank, they employed their detective skills to explore the dry pond bed, discovering natural history evidence of life in an aquatic habitat.
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Based on eDNA information, a team of researchers donned waders and wetsuit gear to search under slab habitats in the Sangamon River. Encountering hidden catfish, crayfish and mudpuppies, they also located the first salamander mussels encountered in more than a century. Their uncommon dedication reminds us that species thought to have been long lost can be found again.
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Perhaps the strangest looking turtles in Illinois are the spiny softshell and the smooth softshell turtles. They lack the hard, domed shells that shield other turtles from predators. Instead, softshell turtles have leathery, flat shells which provide little protection. What their pancake-shaped shells lack in protection, they make up for in speed.
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Sight fishing with a fly rod for carp is exciting, challenging, skill building, widely available and affordable. Catching a carp requires stealth, persistence and good casting skills for accurate and delicate presentations of the fly. The author provides tips for improving your chances of landing a common or grass carp.
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Environmental Science students at Pontiac Township High School have been deeply involved in conservation for several years. They’ve drafted legislation, monitored water quality, planned roadside plantings, and consulted with hospital and state agencies. Now they have taken leadership of implementing the 30×30 America the Beautiful initiative in Illinois.
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Whether you’re new to fishing or Illinois, finding a new spot to wet a line can be intimidating. How do you know where a good place to fish is located? What species should you fish for while there? All these questions and more will be answered as you continue reading!
MoreFeb 3, 2025
Heidecke Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a popular destination for Chicago metro area anglers. Managing the nearly 1,955 acres of aquatic resources is undertaken through a lease agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and NRG Energy. Fisheries Manager Seth Love discusses the various surveys conducted on the lake and what those tell us about the angling opportunities.
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What makes good aquatic habitat and how can you help make it happen? Illinois Department of Natural Resources District Fisheries Biologist Jim Garavaglia provides helpful insights for those interested in improving aquatic habitat in their personal pond and those thinking about building a pond.
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Since 1985, the Illinois Urban and Community Fishing Program Fishing in Illinois program has employed a corps of seasonal fishing instructors to teach Illinois residents of all ages and abilities the basics of fishing and providing safe and fun fishing experiences, especially for beginners. Do you have what it takes to be a successful Conservation Education Representative? Check out the top 10 characteristics these folks possess.
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A message from Chief, Division of Wildlife Resources Mike Wefer
Welcome to the February 2025 edition of the online magazine OutdoorIllinois Journal, featuring timely, seasonally based stories about the Prairie State’s wildlife resources, with an expansion of content to include a broader range of subjects—including endangered and threatened species and Illinois’ unique, high-quality habitats and the people working to preserve, protect and manage these resources.
